According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold.
While this myth has been debunked by experts, professionals still advise against going to bed without drying your hair for a plethora of reasons.
Hair stylists and a dermatologist spoke to Newsweek about the downsides of hitting the pillow with soaked locks.
Why You Shouldn't Go To Bed With Wet Hair
"Do NOT go to bed with wet hair. Would you go to sleep in wet clothes? Doubtful. Since hair is weakest when wet, sleeping in wet hair can cause hair to become dry and brittle, causing split ends, breakage, and fallout. It can also create skin and scalp irritation—plus a mess to detangle in the morning," said Yuksel Sahin, founder and stylist at Yuksel Sahin Hair Salon, New York City.
Sahin advised against blow-drying hair immediately after washing. Instead, he recommended air-drying first, blotting gently with a towel to remove excess water, and ensuring no dripping remains.
Using heat-protection sprays and blow-dry-specific products can also help minimize damage, though Sahin warned against overusing styling products. Finally, he said to avoid using a high heat setting on your blow dryer.
Does Going To Bed With Wet Hair Make You Ill?
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss specialist based in New York City, told Newsweek: "Contrary to popular belief, being cold or wet does not make you sick—viruses and bacteria do. However, sleeping with wet hair is one of the worst things you can do for your hair, as it significantly weakens and damages the hair shaft."
Kazlouskaya emphasized there are no exceptions to the rule—drying your hair before bed is always better, even with a blow dryer. "There are no truly 'safe' ways to sleep with wet hair—it's an absolute no-no," she said.
Does Going To Bed With Wet Hair Make It Greasier?
Many people believe going to bed with wet hair can make their hair appear oily because an oily substance called sebum is released. Though two experts debunked this myth with Newsweek.
"No, going to bed with wet hair doesn't make it greasier because there's no science that backs the over or underproduction of sebum due to wet hair," said Darrius Peace, salon owner and natural haircare expert at Hayah Beauty.
However, a dirty pillowcase could contribute to greasy locks.
"Sleeping with wet hair won't make your hair greasier if your pillowcase is clean," Dr. Kazlouskaya explained.
How Do I Know if I Have a Scalp Fungal Infection?
Scalp infections are quite rare in adults but are more common in children, explained Dr. Kazlouskaya.
"Signs typically include severe flakiness and itchiness. In long-standing infections, hair may fall out in patches, and the skin may appear red and inflamed. Lymph nodes in the neck can also swell due to the inflammation," she added.
"Scalp infection is indicated by scalp inflammation, redness, itchiness, and sometimes white scaly flakes. If experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult a dermatologist for treatment," added Peace.
Does Sleeping on Wet Hair Also Cause Thinning?
Peace, the barber, explained that those with thick, coarse, or heavy tresses are least advised to sleep with wet hair since it can lead to fungal buildup. If untreated, this can also bring infection, scalp irritation, matting, excessive tangling and even hair loss.
"Exceptions to this rule apply to those who have thinner or finer hair. Having less hair or less density allows the hair and scalp to dry faster, which decreases the likelihood of any fungal or mildew buildup," he said.
Practical Tips for the Exhausted
Wy Mac, a licensed cosmetologist, empathized with those who may feel too tired to dry their hair.
"Sleeping with wet hair might feel convenient in the moment, but it's not worth the risk to your hair's health," she told Newsweek.
"Sometimes, after an everything shower, the idea of blow-drying feels like a chore," she said. For these moments, she recommended planning wash days during times when drying your hair feels less burdensome, such as while watching a favorite show or listening to a playlist.
If you must sleep with wet hair, Mac advised using a hydrating hair mask and wrapping it in a silk-lined towel or turban to minimize damage. "Healthy hair starts with good habits, and one of the best things you can do is avoid unnecessary stress on your hair," she said.
Styling While Sleeping
Crystal Coisne, stylist and makeup artist at Love Lane Salon, pointed out that sleeping with wet hair can sometimes be beneficial—if done carefully.
"If you want waves, soft curls, or an 'overnight blowout,' you can sleep with braids, buns, or the new trend of wrapping your hair around soft satin rods," she said.
This method minimizes heat exposure while creating styled looks. Coisne recommended prepping hair with a leave-in conditioner and using a satin sleeping wrap, bonnet, or pillowcase to protect the strands. "When hair is wet, it becomes more porous and elastic, making it prone to stretching and snapping. Keeping it safely contained can help protect it."
The Bottom Line
While experts vary slightly in their opinions, most agree that sleeping with wet hair should be avoided whenever possible.
Proper drying techniques, protective products and planning your haircare routine can help maintain healthy, damage-free locks.
As Mac emphasized: "Remember, healthy hair isn't just about the products you use; it's about how you treat your hair daily."
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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